25 Years Later, 9-11 Is Remembered In Bucks County
by Alex Lloyd Gross
September 11 2001 is a day no one will forget. Cowards took over commercial aircraft and flew them into both buildings of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and another plane, bound for the Capitol Building was crashed into a field in Western Pennsylvania. If you were alive that day you won’t ever forget it.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo-Delaware Valley News.com State Rep Malcom Kenyatta from Philadelphia gives his remarks
Millions of people all over the world were not born yet. To them, that tragic day exits only on television and on news sites. Much like Pearl Harbor. Today, about 300 people gathered at the Garden Of Reflection in Lower Makefield Township to remember, pay their respects and gather their resolve.
They listened to speakers, such as State Rep Perry Warren, who read the names of the Pennsylvania victims as well as those from Bucks County that perished. This is not the time for politics. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick spoke as did Commissioner Bob Harvie, who is running for congress. Both gave eloquent remarks and were respectful of each other.
Alex Lloyd Gross File Photo Delaware Valley News.com Ground zero September 2001 NYC
The turn out was much smaller than in previous years, close to the events of that horrible day. Thousands showed up and parking was non existent, people were asked to park across the street. Today, there was ample parking on site. There were hundreds on site, not thousands.
In the days following the attack, the American spirit was everywhere. Flags flew from homes and cars. 25 years later, that spirit still stands among some. Younger people cannot appreciate the magnitude of what happened. Now some members of congress disgrace the office merely saying “Some people did something”.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo Delaware Valley News.com People sign their names on the wall at the Garden of Reflection.
Security has never been tighter. At airports, sports stadiums, federal buildings and some office buildings. You used to be able to go to and Eagles game prior to 9-11 and not get searched. Today, you go through weapons detection systems, all designed to keep you safe.
In the days following 9-11 there was tremendous respect for firefighters. 25 years later, that respect is gone, as townships are closing firehouses and council members have dumb looks on their faces when questioned by their constituents about it. It is happening all over the country.
Right after 9-11 some misguided folks tried to trample the US Constitution, by trying to restrict photography in public places. It did not work.
At the Garden Of Reflection, State Representative Malcom Kenyatta said The amount of patriotism shown in 2026 equals the resolve that Americans have. We recovered from that attack and we keep going strong, was his message.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo Delaware Valley News.com Joseph Kelly Lower Makefield Police Chief talks about his time serving for the New Jersey Transit Police during 9/11.
There was supposed to be a night time service at the Garden of Reflection but that was not approved by the Board of Supervisors. Should you go to the Garden of Reflection, there are wall panels that you can sign. They will be up until September 20,2026.